"You're right this is silly. I don't even know any of you enough to say whether I could never disobey you. Sorry for bothering you..."

>>193606
In all things, no. Everyone has a point that they would disobey at. Even the most well-informed councils can be led astray with someone that can talk cleverly enough. However, the things that would not obeyed would be blatantly obvious and intentions understandable. I would strive to obey, as long as the orders were just.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)07:05 No. 193612 ID: 426169
File 127652433887.png - (125.43KB , 800x600 , 434.png )

"In all things, and a penalty of death...? I wouldn't. I know myself. I'm young, emotional, rebellious... I'd break that oath. And well, I'd rather not die, you know."

>Balian: "Very well. In that case-"

>Ymanue: "Hold it right there, mister. You know damn well no-one would consent to that. Besides, she's a young girl, what did you think she would say?"

>Balian: "... As I was going to say, in that case I feel we must consult the Seer."

>Ymanue: "I guess so."

Balian takes to his feet, and heads towards a barely noticeable side door.

>Balian: "Would you kindly follow me, miss Blake?"

>>193612
"Of course."
Follow away!

>>193613
Go ahead. Seems like a good idea.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)07:16 No. 193619 ID: 426169
File 127652498757.png - (109.41KB , 600x800 , 435.png )

"Of course."

Tiffany follows Balian through the doorway into a long, winding staircase. As they descend, Balian carefully observes Tiffany.

>"Now that we're alone, I have a further question for you, miss Blake. Why are you really here, hm? For knowledge? For power?"

>>193619
"Both. I want to save mom, so I need power... and I'm generally curious about my own abilities, so I'd like to learn more about them and how to control them better.

Once Alexander is dealt with though, I guess I'd just want knowledge. I can't really use my talent very much in everyday life anyway."

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)07:25 No. 193624 ID: 426169
File 127652554318.png - (122.84KB , 600x800 , 436.png )

"Both, I guess. I need power to get back at Alexander. After that I guess I'd prefer just knowledge."

>"So, you seek to fuel your personal vendetta? Is that the purpose of your coming here?"

>>193624
"I guess you could put it that way. That's my main goal... but it's short term. In the long term... I want somewhere I can live in peace with my parents, without having to hide my abilities."

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)07:51 No. 193628 ID: 426169
File 127652710847.png - (125.82KB , 600x800 , 437.png )

"I guess you could put it that way. In the short term at least."

>"I suspected as much. You would do well to remember that we are not a tool for your personal benefit."

"I didn't mean-"

>"Be that as it may. There was much hate in your voice when you spoke of Alexander. It will only cloud your judgement, you would do well to rid yourself of that hate. To maintain balance, a clear mind, is to survive in our world. Do not tarry, I must return to the council soon."

Tiffany continues walking with a 'sorry'.

>"You may have a modicum of talent, miss Blake, I do not dispute that. Thomas certainly thought so, if Gareth's account of the events is accurate. No, don't argue. My concern is this: Potential is a two-edged sword, it cuts both ways. While you might become an asset to our Clan, you could just as easily bring calamity upon it. Do you understand, miss Blake?"

>>193624
"Personal? Hardly.
After Thomas saved me I ran to get help. I found a nice old couple's farmstead and used their phone to call my dad. Alexander... sent abominations after me. I ran, hoping that they would be left alone but... he murdered them anyway.
Killing him gets justice for his victims, and a monster like him will just keep killing and killing as long as it lives.
You and I both want him dead; spinning that against me just rings hollow.

But no, I'm here because I want to develop what I have. If I had a choice, then Tony and I would have been at school right about now - no magic, no monsters, no conspiracies, no blood feuds, none of it.
Knowing ritualistic magic would have let me save Tony, and kept my mother from being captured. Knowing healing magic would have let me save Thomas. Knowing fighting magic would have let me save the couple who helped me.

I'm fed-up with being defenseless and useless, and I'm not going to let myself get caught unprepared again."

>>193628
"Yea. I've seen both edges, and calamity is just disgusting."

>>193628
"I understand... if I focus too much on Alexander, I could do something rash and get myself and everyone around me in trouble... again. I don't know if I'm ever going to be able to think of him without anger..."

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)08:24 No. 193641 ID: 426169
File 127652905477.png - (68.05KB , 800x600 , 438.png )

"I understand. I'll try to not to let my anger control me."

>"Good. We're here."

>"Halt! Who goes there?"

>"Balian of Bardsey."

>"Who comes with you?"

>"Tiffany Blake, by the council's orders."

The black-clad figure opens the door without any further words.

>"All right. In you go. We will be watching."

>>193641
"Um... okay."

Go inside.

>>193629

I just want to say this post is well written.

>>193629

Just wanted to say I thought this was well written.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)12:46 No. 193681 ID: 426169
File 127654480642.png - (39.08KB , 800x600 , 439.png )

>"Oh and uh, don't cross the line."

Tiffany is ushered into the chamber beyond. Something stirs in the darkness.

>>193681
Note the line on the floor, and remember to never cross it.

"Hello?"

"You look rather strange. The Oracle, I presume?"

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)12:55 No. 193685 ID: 426169
File 127654535025.png - (38.32KB , 800x600 , 440.png )

"Hello? Are you the Seer?"

>"Light light light burning blinding wicked evil light don't hurt me mommy don't hurt don't hurt don't hurt please don't hurt me no more no more"

>>193685
Hmm, should we close the door?

close door, get a little closer but not past the line.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)13:04 No. 193690 ID: 426169
File 127654584549.png - (14.74KB , 800x600 , 441.png )

Tiffany closes the door behind her.

>"Sweet sweet silence the smell the smell let me smell you. Closer come I no hurt I promise mommy."

sit right behind the line

>>193690
Remember where the line was. How many steps would you have to take to cross it? Your best guess.

Move forward, and take two less than that. Then stop and maintain tight control of yourself- you don't necessarily know what to expect here. But Balian was right about one thing: A clear mind is needed here. Let nothing shock you.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)13:38 No. 193697 ID: 426169
File 127654791595.png - (183.57KB , 800x600 , 442.png )

Yeah. Gotta stay calm. I've watched a bloody great mouth bite my hand clean off and doesn't afraid of anything.

Tiffany takes a few careful steps towards the line, when suddenly the figure leaps at her, stopping only inches away from her.

>"You smell good. Let me smell you, let me taste you, let me taste the darkchild, let me taste the first blood!"

>>193697

AAAAAH HOLY CRAP

>>193700
That doesn't help Tiffany much, here...

>>193697
Yup, that's about the kind of creepy magical crap that is expected here. A bit startling even knowing it's coming, but you've got the experience and will to take it in stride. Great work, Tiffany. Discipline, control, and a clear mind will win out.

You were obviously sent in here for a reason, presumably to talk to her. Still, feeding your blood to random ravenous creatures seems like a bad idea. Let's ask as few questions.

"Why should I?"

>>193697
That thing's nuts. It's crazy in the coconut.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)14:44 No. 193708 ID: 426169
File 127655188239.png - (175.67KB , 800x600 , 443.png )

"Why would I?"

>"What does that mean? What does THAT MEAN? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN STOP STOP STOP IT STOP HURTING ME! Nunä liahian susiaiagan tanas! Hear me and despair, for the darkchild has come! The first blood has gathered, and the King of Bones will wear the Symbols of office, and take Death as his domain! The great pact will be broken, and the fields of the dead will be harrowed once more. The darkchild will seek the words of Erkunmannar, and hear the words of the Unseen! Kiauftana kiauftaa! THE WORDS MUST BE SPOKEN! THE DARKCHILD MUST SPEAK THE WORDS! THE WALLS MUST RAISED ANEW! SIAUNAFTA! SIAUNAFTA!"

With that the dirty, naked man collapses to the floor, writhing and twitching.

>>193708
It's times like this that I wish we had a bit more background in ancient languages.

Anyway, that sounds ominous. On the other hand, if we assume that we're the darkchild, it's not half bad for us, is it? The only "Unseen" I know of is "Khezet the Unseen", one of the Lords of the Underworld. If we're going to hear words from someone in that weight class, our life is really going places. No idea who Erkunmannar is or what words or walls are being referred to, unfortunately.

Admittedly, bone king, broken pact- the Compact, I believe- harrowed fields of dead, very nasty stuff. But even in that... if the pact is broken, maybe one day we really will be able to bring Tony back.

It seems that no one will stop Alexander, though. That's not good, but it does justify our conviction to prepare as much as we can to do it ourselves.


Anyway, getting back to immediate concerns, we can't cross the line to help the guy and he might say something else. Wait silently for him to continue or the door to open. Show no reaction/emotion to his words if you can help it.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)15:05 No. 193719 ID: 426169
File 127655311573.png - (118.06KB , 800x600 , 444.png )

I gotta remember all this. Didn't sound too good, but it did sound kinda important-ish.

I guess I'll wait a while, he might say something more.

Ok good, he's stopped twitching, except...

Oh god.

Is he masturbating?

>>193719
What, you can stand ravenous crazy people asking for your blood and babbling in crazy languages, take on wraiths, and bargain with murderous immortals, but get squicked out when some crazy guy starts touching himself? Cope.

Step back if necessary.

>>193722
Oh, if things seem to have stopped happening, feel free to ask if he saw anything further, or anything else you wish to ask- I suppose that who he is comes to mind.

Balian said they'd "be watching", but that doesn't necessarily mean that they're planning to stop this at any point; they could be waiting for you to leave on your own or might have some other criteria for departure. If we stop getting anything useful out of the seer, though, I suppose that we might as well leave.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)15:18 No. 193730 ID: 426169
File 127655389493.png - (111.38KB , 800x600 , 445.png )

Screw this, I'm done.

>>193730
A reasonable decision. Hey, at least you got some reasonably non-cryptic prophecy out of it, eh?

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)15:28 No. 193734 ID: 426169
File 127655453933.png - (120.66KB , 800x600 , 446.png )

Outside Balian is waiting for her.

>"A somewhat unusual incident, I should say."

"I don't see naked hairy guys jerk off every day."

>"Oh, I meant the prophetic passage. He's always doing that other thing. Poor bastard. But his words are a... a source for thought."

>>193734
"Yes. How accurate are his predictions?"

>>193734
Ask him what it all means. Be aware that the "words of Erkunmannar" may refer to the book of the dead you have. You might be stuck between a rock and a hard place concerning that particular secret now. But if that is the case he might have good reason to not bury it away.

I'm not saying to divulge anything, but be prepared to be confronted on it just in case.

>Be aware that the "words of Erkunmannar" may refer to the book of the dead you have.
If that's true, then we're actually somewhat covered for regarding it- because it was said that we'd seek the words, presumably implying that we don't possess them already. We might yet seek for their meaning, but no one will be expecting us to already possess something that we're prophesied to go looking for.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)15:47 No. 193741 ID: 426169
File 127655564312.png - (119.89KB , 600x800 , 447.png )

"Who's Erkunmannar?"

>"Now is not the time for history lessons. We must return to the council."

As they ascend the stairs, Tiffany continues her questioning.

"How accurate are his predictions?"

>"You must understand, the future is ever shifting. To see it with clarity is utterly impossible, especially with a mind as broken as his. That said, his accuracy tends towards the uncanny."

"Who is he anyway?"

>"Every now and again one of our clan is born with the curse of prophetic dreams. It invariably drives the afflicted insane. The man you saw was once my older brother."

>>193740
Perhaps, but how does that do us any good at all? We still can't read the damn thing. We need help for that. Duncan maybe can, but confiding in him is risky even if he'd agree to keep it a secret. Joyce is probably safer to trust but I doubt she can help us with the book.

Possibly the best result is if Balian decides we need to go find the book, and keep it a secret from the council so it doesn't get redtaped. In that case we might as well tell him about it. Not that I trust him but there may not be a better option.

>>193741
The fact that the head of their council has locked his utterly insane brother up in near-starvation is a somewhat ominous commentary on the ethics of Clan Kinsley. Admittedly, that sounds like a shit gift, but Alexander was able to close ours down with relatively little effort and the Kinsleys have an entire clan of ancient sorcerers on their side; no way would they be unable to block them off if it came down to it. They deliberately let that guy go crazy and reach that wretched state so that they could take advantage of his visions.

Do not let on that you've reached this conclusion. "Thank you for answering me" and a quiet back walk to council seems appropriate here.

>>193730
You've learned two things: A wierd prophecy (which the Kinsleys probably also heard), and that creepy and dark things (the thing in the pit and this guy to name a couple) seem to find you drop dead sexy.

Perhaps you should ask about a shower.

>>193741
Ask him what he said in that other language, or at least what the language was.

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)16:42 No. 193762 ID: 426169
File 127655895082.png - (124.66KB , 800x600 , 448.png )

"What language was that? What'd he say?"

>"The language is nxtsaa'u. A language long forgotten by everyone but us. He said 'I/we speak the true words' with an inflection of absolute conviction. Near the end he shouted the name of a city long gone."

"Thanks for answering my questions. Sorry to hear about your brother."

>"I have long ago come to terms with his fate."

They didn't speak for the rest of the way.

Once Balian emerged back into the council chamber he was met with a tensed silence.

>Balian: "I assume you were listening. Good. Are you ready to vote, or do you wish to deliberate in private?"

>Alainon: "Oh come on, you heard the words! We must make a decision about Alexander, now!"

>Eluned: "I agree."

>Balian: "The matter of her inclusion has been officially opened, and must be duly finished. Are you ready to take the vote?"

>Alainon: "Oh fine. I'll take your damned vote. Everyone else fine?"

To a general nodding and lack of objections, Balian cleared his throat.

>Balian: "The council will now vote on Tiffany Blake's inclusion to the clan."

In the end, only Eluned voted against, with Melmidoc abstaining. With a three against one, Tiffany was accepted as a member of the clan, with full rights and responsibilities.

>Balian: "Malcolm will handle the details of your inclusion. You will be welcome in the family school once the Autumn semester begins."

>Ymanye: "I sincerely hope, dear Balian, that you haven't forgotten Thomas' medallion, and what it means."

>Balian: "It is only an ancient formality, it doesn't mean-"

>Ymanye: "Why, Balian, you shock me! Surely you haven't started scoffing at tradition?"

>Balian: "Well, no, but-"

>Ymanye: "Then she is approved for apprenticeship, am I correct?"

>Balian: "Fine. She may partake in the graduation ceremony next year."

>Ymanye: "That's hardly unnecessary, dear Balian, surely there are still wizards of suitable experience who could take her?"

>Balian: "They've returned to their homes across the country! We cannot waste any more of their time, especially with the current situation."

>Ymanye: "There are plenty of senior wizards who live here on the island. Surely you can't object to one of them taking her as an apprentice?"

>Balian: "You know just as well as I that none of them applied for an apprentice this year."

>Ymanye: "Well, I'm sure she could find one willing to take on the job. Won't you, dear?"

>>193762
"I will find someone. Thank you for accepting me into the clan."

Tiffany 2010/06/14(Mon)17:09 No. 193764 ID: 426169
File 127656059586.png - (56.18KB , 800x600 , 449.png )

"I'll find someone. Thank you for letting me into the clan."

>Balian: "Fine. Go and see Malcolm for more instructions. Now leave us."

As Tiffany turns to leave, she detects the slightest hint of a wink from Ymanye.





Tiffany will return tomorrow, same bat-place, same bat-time. 13 GMT or so, twelve hours from now.

>>193762
[Spot the typo]

Ymanye wants you for apprenticeship derp

>nxtsaa'u
(I am glad to see that N!xau still has a solid place in the public subconcious as the face of unfathomable foreignness)

>"What language was that? What'd he say?"

>"The language is nxtsaa'u. A language long forgotten by everyone but us. He said 'I/we speak the true words' with an inflection of absolute conviction. Near the end he shouted the name of a city long gone."

Looks like we will be able to read the book after our apprenticeship.

The hunter lady does not seem bad at all. Apprenticing under the council member might be more trouble as it will bring you in direct conflict with the lady council member. On the other hand, it promises more power.
I would imagine most of the readers do not appreciate too much politics, so perhaps we can see who else we can work under without turning this into ParliamentQuest.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)05:35 No. 194013 ID: 426169
File 127660535311.png - (119.29KB , 800x600 , 450.png )

Malcolm sat in his chair, staring silently at Tiffany. This had gone on for some time, and Tiffany was becoming quite uncomfortable.

There'd been no sign of Dad or Gareth, only a black-clad guard leading her back to the master chamberlain's office. The silent staring had commenced shortly thereafter.

>>194013
Have you introduced yourself to him? If not, do so. If you have, then this is a staring contest and you must stare him down.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)05:42 No. 194017 ID: 426169
File 127660575679.png - (119.14KB , 800x600 , 451.png )

"What is this, a staring contest?"

Annoyed, Malcolm snaps out of it.

>"It seems the council has finally gone senile. Accepting a Rothwald as a clan member. I cannot imagine what they were thinking."

>>194017
"That I answered their questions truthfully, that I am a Kinsley, and that I should be given the chance to prove myself worthy of the name."

>>194017
We are no Rothwald. Happily, the council was able to see that. Now, we had been informed that he could give us some instructions on what to do...?

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)06:37 No. 194038 ID: 426169
File 127660907676.png - (119.05KB , 800x600 , 452.png )

"They thought I'm not a Rothwald. I'm a Kinsley. They also thought you had instructions for me."

>"Hmph. Unfortunately, this is out of my hands. You're entitled to the Kinsley name."

He looks like he's passing kidney stones.

>"Thomas' amulet is now yours. You are to wear it at all times, and protect it with your life. Not even the Rothwalds can protect you if you lose it. You are free to use the guest quarters here at the castle. Accommodations will be made for your family in the village. Your luggage and your... your robes will be brought there for you. I understand you've been given permission to try and find yourself a master. In the unlikely event of your success, tell them to come speak with me. Now, if you have nothing else to bother me with, you may go about your business. Gareth will undoubtedly show you around, if he hasn't done so already."

>>194038
Thank him before you leave. Even if he's an ass who hates you because of your heritage, you can be polite at him.

If you're lucky, it might drive him crazy.

>>194038
"Very well. Good day to you, Malcolm."

Ok, head out and ask Gareth if there are any ritualists or healers around who could teach you.
I get the feeling that necromancy is something you should only dabble in, and even then only so far as it takes to help you counter Alexander's own necromancy and save your mom.

>>194041
I like the way that you put this.

>>194042
Perhaps we should just ask for a quick summary of the various disciplines of magic, as recognized by Clan Kinsley. I don't think we've gotten a solid overview yet.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)07:32 No. 194049 ID: 426169
File 127661232957.png - (125.11KB , 800x600 , 453.png )

You know... I'd much rather ask Duncan or Joyce about different disciplines of magic than this guy. 'sides, I'm kinda beat.

"Thank you very much. Have a nice day."

>"Hmph."

Outside Gareth and Dad are waiting. Dad's looking anxious, while Gareth is chilling.

>"Well? How'd it go?"

>>194049
"I was accepted. Malcolm looked like he would rather make out with an immortal than do his job, but I'm now on the apprentice market.

So, are there any ritualists or healers around here?"

>>194049
"Great. I'm a full member of the clan, rights and responsibilities pertaining, need to find someone to apprentice to, all that. About as much as I could have hoped for."

>I'd much rather ask Duncan or Joyce about different disciplines of magic than this guy
Asking a non-Malcolm someone was in fact the intention of the suggestions.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)08:50 No. 194060 ID: 426169
File 127661704950.png - (49.85KB , 391x600 , 454.png )

"I'm in!"

>"That's great honey!"

Dad grabs Tiffany for a quick hug.

"They're also giving you a place to stay in town. But yeah, I'm now in the apprentice market, about as good as I could've hoped."

>"Brilliant! It's getting kinda late, so how 'bout I take you guys back to town? I'll give you the full tour tomorrow, take you to see Hakim, then help you pick a master. Sound good?"

>>194060
"Sounds good to me.
Um, sorry your dad took the term 'losing face' so literally. Is there anything I can do to help?"

>>194060
"Sure. Uh, who's Hakim?"

Whoops, I meant Hakun. Got mixed up with Eldritch' token black guy.

>>194060
"Your robe looks different."

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)09:40 No. 194083 ID: 426169
File 127662001540.png - (53.01KB , 391x600 , 455.png )

"Sounds good. What's with the robe? It's different than the others I've seen."

>"You mean this thing? Yeah it's an apprentice robe. Oh don't worry, you don't have to wear it all the time, unless your master tells you to. I'm kinda stuck with it, 'cuz of my dad. Gotta look keep up appearances and all that jazz."

"Your dad seems a little harsh."

>"He's not, really. He's a good man. He's just under a lot of stress."

That's odd. It's like I could hear a different voice while he spoke just now.

>>194083
Concentrate on trying to hear the different voice. Keep him talking a little longer.

"What kind of stress?"

>>194083
"Is that why your words are being puppeted to speak well of him?
Don't bother denying it; the tells are clear."

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)09:49 No. 194087 ID: 426169
File 127662054497.png - (42.09KB , 391x600 , 456.png )

"Huh. What kinda stress?"

>"You know how it is. All the business in America. He's a very important man, you're worthless and he has a lot on his shoulders. coward He just gets a little irritable that's all. I mean, he's normally a great guy, really. you should have died"

>>194087
"So normally he would be cheery towards somebody of mixed heritage?"

>>194086
That's coming on a little strong, don't you think? We don't actually know that's what's happening, though obviously something is up. Besides, once again I point out that we're in mage HQ; if Gareth has been mentally modified in any way, they've almost certainly picked up on it and chosen to do nothing about it. As someone who's been in the clan for all of an hour and has all the exalted rank of a prospective apprentice, we can't really expect to help him in any significant fashion.

We can still try, obviously, but I'm just pointing out that we probably won't succeed in anything more than antagonizing some of our new clan members. And maybe making friends, if someone likes our attitude, but that's less certain.


>>194087
Looks like his dad put some sort of mental torture spell on him which is now breaking down. Motion to go talk to that Hunter mage and ask her about it; she seemed like the friendly sort who might actually care about Gareth a bit.

"Gareth, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could we stop in and see Joyce again before heading to town? I'd like to ask her a few questions, since we were kind of rushed before."

>>194087
Is this other voice coming from him? Are we picking up his thoughts on... Well, I'm not sure it would make sense for them to be on us... Maybe he's remembering what his father said to him?

>>194092
Anybody who would do something like that is already an enemy. Also, it was probably Malcolm who did it anyway.

>>194087
"Are you sure you're okay? I'm worried about you."

>>194094
My guess- which could be ridiculously off base- is that it's like that guy who everyone knows beats his wife and kids, but no one admits to knowing about it and the victims never complain and always make excuses. An ugly situation, but not something that most people will praise you for forcing to light. Particularly old-fashioned people, or those who have considered/used the same methods themselves in the past, will hold it against you.

That's my read of the situation, anyway. I refuse to believe that in freaking Wizard Central, no one is sharp enough to pick up on the fact that Gareth's been totally mindfucked. Duncan's reaction in >>190523 implies to me that he, and others, know that there are crazy harsh punishments being thrown around and for whatever reason don't want to interfere.

Even if we do, sticking your nose into a familial abuse situation is never pretty. There are a lot of strong emotions bound up in it, and people do not act reasonably.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)10:12 No. 194097 ID: 426169
File 127662194633.png - (39.77KB , 391x600 , 457.png )

"Oh so he'd be totally cheery to someone with ancestry like mine."

>"It's not like that, Tiff. He's just really wound up."

"Look, are you sure you're all right?"

>"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"What did your dad-"

>"Look, just drop it already."

>>194097
"I can tell something happened. If you're sure you can handle it, fine... but we're here if you need to talk.

We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. Remember that; you did something important. Not to toot my own horn or anything..."

I think his dad just said lots of very mean things to Gareth, and the voice we hear is him playing it over and over in his head. He didn't want us to see his face before because he was crying.

>>194098
I'll go with this as what to say, then >>194092 since I really do want to talk to Joyce before calling it a day.

You know what let's just tell him we can hear something behind his words, literally. I don't think he's going to open up about this unless we prove to him he's not properly hiding it.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)10:51 No. 194106 ID: 426169
File 127662427621.png - (40.05KB , 391x600 , 458.png )

"Look, if you need to talk-"

>"Seriously, drop it. I'm fine."

"Well ok. Do you think we could go see Joyce before we call it a night?"

>"Don't see why not. What'd you want to talk to her about?"

>>194106
"You said she's a Hunter, and I'd like to talk to her about what they do, and what apprenticing under her would be like... that kind of thing. We got sort of cut off before."

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)12:12 No. 194135 ID: 426169
File 127662917263.png - (132.63KB , 800x600 , 459.png )

>"Hi there Tiff and G-man. Congratulations! Glad to have you with us!"

"Thanks Joyce. Do you have a minute?"

>"Sure thing, what's on your mind? Take a seat."

"Well, I wanted to ask you about Hunters. What are they exactly?"

>"Well, hmm. I guess you could say we're basically the soldiers of the clan. Mostly we hunt down whatever spirits, monsters or other boogeymen are wreckin shit up. Sometimes we catch em alive, mostly we exterminate. All in all, it's a pretty challenging job. You'd have to get your hands dirty and we're always on the road. Takes a lot of to be a Hunter, you need strong nerves, good reflexes, you gotta think on your feet. There's not a lot of time for fancy-schmancy rituals and complicated spells when someone's trying to pull your guts out through your throat. And of course we take part in any wars the clan gets involved in. Anythin in particular you want to know?"

"Well, what would being an apprentice be like? For you I mean?"

>"Hells if I know. I guess I'd take you along, show you the ropes 'nstuff. You'd be on the move eleven out of twelve months, but hey, if this is a career you're interested in, nothing beats field experience. I hear you handled yourself pretty well with a wraith the other day. O'course, I don't know how big it was, I mean I could pick that twig up with one hand-"

>"HEY"

>"But didn't sound too shabby. Still don't know if I personally am ready to take an apprentice, but I'll think about it. Anything else you wanna ask?"

>>194135
Tell her about the prophesy and what she thinks of it. After that I dunno, advice about what you should do from here, who might be good teachers that don't get caught up in all the usual politics and stuff. Oh and mention that wink you got from the council guy, what's his story.

>>194135
Bring up what happened to Mom. The hunters would be the part of the Kinsley clan called to deal with Alexander, right? Is there any chance that they'd be able to somehow expel him instead of killing him, or would they just kill him since it would probably be easier and safer? Thus far we haven't had much hope, but... we could really use some.

Although based on that prophecy any chance by anyone to stop Alexander before he becomes crazy powerful is basically shot, so maybe it's not worth worrying about this.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)14:58 No. 194190 ID: 426169
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"Yeah. The seer said-"

>Gareth: "Wait, what? They took you to see the seer? That's pretty wicked."

"Yeah. Not a pretty sight."

>Gareth: "What was he like? I mean, I've only ever heard about him."

"Dirty and crazy as hell. I'll tell you more later."

>Gareth: "Wicked."

>Joyce: "Do go on."

"Ok, so the seer said all sorts of weird stuff. He said something about the darkchild coming, and that the first blood had gathered, and that the Bone King would take over death or something. Then he said that the pact would be broken, and the fields of the dead would be harrowed again. Something about the darkchild seeking the words of Erkunmannar and hearing the words of the Unseen. Right near the end he was screaming that the words must be spoken, and the walls must be raised anew. Does this make any sense to you?"

>"Well, I'm not exactly a scholar, but it doesn't sound too good. The darkchild does have a familiar ring to it, you might want to check the archives for older prophecies. And the first blood... Sorry. I swear I've heard that somewhere, but I can't put my finger on it. I'm pretty useless when it comes to understanding the seers."

"Oh well. I guess I could ask Duncan about it later. Is... Is there any hope for mom? I mean... Are you going to have to kill her?"

Joyce takes Tiffany's hand.

>"Now you listen up, girl. There's always hope. No matter how grim it might look, uou never know what's gonna to happen, even with prophecies. For all we know, the seer could be babbling about events a hundred years from now, or just plain old nonsense. All we gotta do with your mom is catch Alexander, bring 'im here and let the people here work it out. He might be a devious little devil, but we've got experts you wouldn't believe. Whatever he did we can undo. I'd bet money on that. So keep your chin up y'hear?"

>>194190
Even if they could... If you were in their shoes, with a dangerous enemy possessing someone you don't know or even like, would you go to the effort and risk to rescue her or just try to destroy them both?

>>194190
"Thanks, that makes me feel a lot better."

Let's stop bothering her and go talk to the council member that winked at us.

Hug Joyce and thank her. Soldier might not be the profession we want to be in, especially with the clan war bit.

I agree with a dismembered voice above that we should go for the healing route with necromancy on the side.

Random thought --- how about summoning? We seem to enjoy having minions. With our physique, summoned creatures may be more useful. And will provide an army against an undead army. That, or we can focus on undoing necromancy. Counter curse and all that.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)15:42 No. 194230 ID: 426169
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"Even if they could... Would they risk their own lives to save her?"

>"Now you're just beginning to sound like the emo kid over there."

>"Hey! I ain't- AARGH"

As Gareth turns to object, he gets ambushed by Joyce. She pulls him off his feet, holding him down while giving him a world-class noogie.

>"Aaaargh let me go!"

>"Make me, pipsqueak."

>"Tiffany, help!"

>>194230
"Ok, I'll help!"

Help Joyce that is. Tickle him!

Nah, he's got this.

Tiffany 2010/06/15(Tue)16:15 No. 194252 ID: 426169
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>"HEY NO FAIR! TWO AGAINST ONE AIN'T FAIR! HE HE DON'T TICKLE ME! OW MY RIBS!"

>>194230
Snap your fingers "Thomas! He said that the Rothwalds and Kinsleys split off from the same family!
And I just heard something whispering to Gareth that he should kill himself...
Oh, fuck."

>>194257
Not that he should kill himself, that he should have died. Past tense. As in, he should have died to keep the amulet from falling into the hands of the family's greatest enemy. Like we have been told they are supposed to do. But it is too late for that now.

>>194286
An obvious problem with relying on powerful arcane seals set to ancient medallions, is it makes it really damn difficult to just change the goddamn locks once in a while.